Polyfab USA is going to the dogs

Yes, it’s official — Polyfab USA is going to the dogs…and cats…and rabbits… Specifically, our Comtex® Red and Aquamarine and Polyfab ProTM Shade Sail Hardware is being used for shade sails over several areas of the Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS):

We were approached by Patrick Howe of Shazeebo, who has done several jobs already for this charitable organization. He asked if Polyfab would be willing to donate the fabric and hardware for this job, and Shazeebo would donate the labor.

We agreed, and a few weeks later we were watching the Shazeebo crew installing six shade sails over the large exercise areas in Encinitas, CA.

The shelters’ volunteers had been complaining that these areas are uncomfortable to be in on hot, sunny days.

Beginning installation of cable-edged shade sails. The cables are inserted in the pockets, but the ends are not yet clamped together.

The sails are first attached with all the hardware to the attachment points;

Another interesting feature—instead of metal posts, the RCHS received “repurposed” carbon-fiber poles formally used for military antennas.

The posts are designed to rise 100 feet to support a radio antenna, but a local supporter cut these posts to size, sunk them in concrete and drilled the holes for the eye ends.

The last corner is usually the hardest to attach, but don’t fret. With the proper determination (clearly visible in these shots!) and an assist strap or ratcheting “come-along” this will work. Remember, the fabric will stretch…

Each corner is marked with the job name and corner location during fabrication.

Then, the installer knows where each corner goes.

Multiple shades sharing the same post can be more efficient and require less posts in total;

The shade is attached—now you can clamp the cable;

Please note the catenary curve—the key to proper tautness in the middle of the shade.

Applying anti-seize compound to the turnbuckle threads prior to final tightening. Otherwise the stainless threads might “gall” or bind up—not a good thing! A little twist IS a good thing.

After the turnbuckles are tightened, Patrick believes in using stainless steel “tie wire” to tie down the shackle pins and the turnbuckle stop nuts—to keep the threaded pieces from loosening up over time.

Finishing touches. Note the shade is right where it will best help the animals and their volunteers!

You can see that these shade sails are installed 7’ high—perhaps lower than you might see in a shopping center or resort setting, but Patrick explained that they were installed for maximum shading. And by having one corner higher than the others, he was able to achieve a slight twist—the “hypar” shape that is most efficient for shedding wind and rain.